NEWBERRY ‒ The Newberry City Commission on Sept. 12 tentatively set the City’s Fiscal Year 2022-23 budget at $31,114,893. Leading up to approval of the budget was approval of the tentative millage rate of 5.9244, which is the same as the roll-back rate. The roll-back rate calculates taxable property values in relation to the total revenue they generate. If the tax rate generates the same total revenue one year as it did in the previous year, then the rolled-back rate has been applied
In budget related actions, the Commission approved rate increases for electric, water, wastewater and development fees. Residential electric rates were increased by approximately 1.5 percent on the customer charge, for an average residential impact of $1.55 per month. Non-residential rates are proposed to be adjusted in a similar fashion. The rate increase will take effect Jan. 1, 2023 to help mitigate the fuel cost increases.
Changes to the wastewater rates represent a 2.5 percent increase in the consumption charge while changes to the water rates represent a 4.5 percent increase in the consumption charge.
Also approved were increases in development fees for water and wastewater. The proposed rate increase is 12.5 percent, bringing the water fee to $866.50 and the wastewater fee to $4,158.
Development fees are collected to offset the impact development has on the utility infrastructure. These fees are charged against new construction at the time of permit issuance to offset the cost of new infrastructure needs of the utility. These funds are held in trust only to be used on expansion and enhancement of the system. The City Commission last increased the fees in 2007.
Commissioners approved Ordinance 2022-45 on first reading in a 4-1 vote with Commissioner Tim Marden in dissent. The ordinance allows the County to continue to levy Newberry’s citizens in the amount of $20.47 as a one time a year fee. The fee goes to the Municipal Services Benefit Unit (MSBU) for the purpose of providing Solid Waste Services to the City of Newberry. The MSBU rate for residential customers in FY 2022-23 is the same rate as levied in the previous two years.
In other city business, the Newberry will be pursuing funding from settlements related to the opioid epidemic rather than allocating the funding to Alachua County. The City is eligible for approximately $48,000 according to the Florida Attorney General’s Office.
Longtime Board member Linda Hodge Woodcock resigned her seat on the Planning and Zoning Board and the Historical Architectural Review Board (HARB) effective Sept. 6. Woodcock’s term ends on April 30, 2025. The Commission voted unanimously to fill the balance of Woodcock’s term on the Planning and Zoning Board and the HARB with Kathryn Thomas.
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alachuatoday.com
Newberry Sets Tentative Budget At $31M, Increases Utility Rates
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